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Problem Solving

Critical Thinking & General Skills

Problem solving is finding good ways to deal with challenges and fix situations that aren't working well.

Brief Introduction

Problem solving is like being a detective and a builder combined - you first figure out what's wrong, then create a way to make it right. πŸ” Just like how we naturally find ways to reach something on a high shelf or figure out a faster route to work, problem solving is something we do every day. It's a skill that helps us turn difficult situations into opportunities for improvement.

Main Explanation

1. Understanding the Problem πŸ€”

It's like being a doctor examining a patient - first, you need to know exactly what's wrong. Take time to gather information, identify what's not working, and define what success would look like. For example, if your phone battery keeps dying quickly, first determine when and how this happens.

2. Brainstorming Solutions πŸ’­

Think of this as opening your toolbox and laying out all possible tools. Generate multiple possible solutions without judging them initially. It's like planning a vacation - you first list all possible destinations before deciding where to go.

3. Choosing and Testing 🎯

Like trying on clothes before buying, evaluate each potential solution and pick the most promising one to try first. Test it out on a small scale if possible. For instance, if you're trying to eat healthier, test a new meal plan for a week before committing to a month.

4. Reviewing and Adjusting βš–οΈ

Similar to tasting soup while cooking - keep checking if your solution works and make adjustments as needed. If the first solution doesn't work perfectly, use what you learned to improve it or try a different approach.

Examples

  • Imagine you keep being late for work. You identify the problem (morning routine too slow), brainstorm solutions (prepare night before, wake up earlier, find faster route), choose one (prepare night before), and adjust based on results. πŸ•’
  • A student struggling with math first identifies specific challenging topics, creates a study plan with various learning methods, tries using video tutorials, and adjusts the approach based on improvement. πŸ“š
  • When planning a large family gathering, you break down the challenge (space, food, timing), list possible solutions (rent venue, potluck, multiple sessions), test ideas with a smaller gathering, and refine the plan based on feedback. πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦